Artist Angie McIntosh, founder of the Penticton Plein Air Group, works on her canvas on the shores of Okanagan Lake at the city marine heritage park Thursday afternoon, just one of the kick-off events for the four-day Arts Rising Festival. Mark Brett/Western News

Penticton Arts Rising Festival in full swing

Penticton Community Arts Council event features art in all its diverse forms

The multi-disciplinary, multi-venue event is the work of the Penticton Community Arts Council and is the city’s inaugural arts festival taking place in the downtown core.

Organizers say it the festival marks the beginning of an annual celebration of art in all its diverse forms ranging from painting, dancing, a film festival and music just to name a few.

Opening day ceremonies took place at 333 Main Street where a mural designed by artist Dr. Michelle Jack who is being helped by another renowned First Nations artist, Joseph Sanchez and students of the En’Owkin arts program is currently being painted.

Throughout the day Saturday there will be a wide range of activities centred around Gyro Park and a guided walk of public art.

Sunday has been set aside as a day to explore themes of healing, metamorphosis and experimentation.